I purchased this on a budget as I am a new Mom again to a newborn baby girl (7wks+ as of today 8/26/24) & when I originally purchased this item, my daughter was just slightly under the recommended minimum weight requirement of 8lbs (She was exactly 7lbs at the time of receiving this item). So if you're wondering if it's too large for your infant, (though it does state 8lbs & you should ALWAYS FOLLOW the manufacturers recommended weight requirements, ESPECIALLY for a newborn), I personally think you'll be fine given that in 1-2wks your newborn will be at the minimum weight limit & that's the beauty of purchasing an item that may be too large, baby will grow into it. I do suggest only having your newborn facing you in the carrier until they either reach the minimum 8lbs, or are able to support their head/neck (every baby is different, so do what works for you baby).The reason I bought this is so that it'd be easier for me to take care of my at home tasks/chores, give baby a chance at a new way to soothe/help sleep, be able to still breast/bottle feed while multitasking, & make it easier to travel in public.This is my 2nd child (with my 1st child be 11½yrs of age, so it's like being a 1st time Mommy again given the 11yr age gap) & I just don't have the energy or effort to haul around a carseat, especially in this God awful Houston, TX Summer Heat/Humidity.By having this carrier, I'm able to grab my daughter out of her carseat, place her into the carrier with minimal to zero effor & just GO!By now having this carrier, there's no need for me to remove my carseat & place it into her stroller, or carry around a carseat, while out & about. WORK SMART, Mommies & Daddies, NOT HARD!Grocery shopping, Dr. Appointments, Dining out, cleaning the house, & simply having the ability to soothe my newborn & do skin-2-skin or even breastfeed/bottle feed, have all become SOOOO MUCH EASIER & makes my life that much more efficient. The only thing I haven't done yet is place the carrier on my back, simply because my daughter is a newborn & it'll likely be a while before I put her on my back, so I can't provide an honest review of using this carrier on my back just yet. I can however provide an update to this review, when she is large/old enough to go on my back. As far as placing her forward towards/away from me, both have been comfortable for baby & me. My Baby is now approaching 10lbs & I have placed her in the carrier forward facing because she's able to support her head much easier & my little princess is so curious & enjoys looking around at the world. When she's restless I have her facing me & within 5-10mins tops, she's sound asleep.The only beef I have with this carrier (well 2) is that...1). The Label/Tag located inside the arm straps is itchy asf & drives me mental, & it can't be removed unless I want to cut out the individual stitching, which seems tedious. So by wearing a shirt that's not a V-Cut/Low cut, or Tank top it helps keep the skin-2-tag contact at a minimum.2). It's best to preset the arm support straps, so that you can easily put in on, otherwise it seems as though this carrier's straps have a tendency to always get tangled up & get twisted. The strap in the back, I never detach, to kind of help prevent the carrier from getting tangled/twisted. Otherwise, it's quite frustrating trying to assemble, prior to placing baby into the carrier.Aside from those 2 cons, everything else is great. Baby loves being in the carrier, it fits both me & Baby well, it makes life/traveling/activities/chores/etc so much more convenient & it's definitely worth the price, if you're on a budget.You know how the saying goes, "You pay for what you get..."? Well given I only paid $35⁰⁰~ vs. $58⁰⁰~ AT WALMART FOR THE EXACT SAME CARRIER/WT REQUIREMENTS, exactly to a T, definitely just order this here on Amazon & not Wal-Mart. Or if you're at Walmart because you need it asap vs. waiting for shipping/delivery via Amazon, I would consider asking a Wal-Mart Associate to honor the price match because it's a waste of money otherwise.All in all I give this carrier a 9/10.